The hallmark of a civilised nation is how it cares for the sick, old and vulnerable.
Britain can no longer claim to meet this benchmark when it continues to fail the older generation. A shortage of affordable care home places means too many elderly people are denied the support and care they need.
And those who are able to find a residential place can find themselves paying eye-watering fees for shoddy, substandard accommodation. As we report today, some private care homes are charging more than a £1,000 a week for services which are shamefully inadequate.
Investigations by the Care Quality Commission found instances of residents sleeping on soiled bedding and having to use dirty toilets. Other complaints include people being prescribed the wrong medicines or being left bed bound because of a shortage of staff.
It is unacceptable that private firms are putting profits before people’s wellbeing. But the root of this scandal is the Tory government’s failure to invest in the care the elderly need and deserve.
Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip
A trip too far
In an attempt to clear record-high NHS waiting lists in England patients are being asked to travel to receive treatment. It is an admission of how badly the Conservatives have failed the NHS.
If the health service were properly funded then people would be able to receive the care they need at their local hospital. Nobody wants to travel hundreds of miles for an operation, especially if it means being separated from family and friends. This is a patchwork solution for a problem caused by more than a decade of Tory neglect.
Joy for Jon
Age is no barrier for 80-year-old Jon Goodwin and neither is Parkinson’s. Today he hopes to become Britain’s oldest spaceman when he joins Virgin Galatic’s flight. However old you are there’s always space to fulfil your dreams.
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